Dare2eraD TB Programme

March 25, 2025

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has advanced its efforts in combating tuberculosis (TB) through genomic sequencing initiative. As of March 2025, DBT has sequenced 10,000 samples of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, part of a larger goal to sequence 32,500 samples. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of drug-resistant TB and its unique genomic features in India. The project aligns with the government’s ambition to eradicate TB by 2025, ahead of the World Health Organisation’s target of 2030.

Dare2eraD TB Programme

Launched on World TB Day in March 2022, the Dare2eraD TB programme focuses on eradicating TB through genomic research. It is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Science & Technology and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The initiative includes the Indian Tuberculosis Genomic Surveillance Consortium (InTGS), which plays a very important role in monitoring TB strains.

Objectives of the Programme

The primary objectives are:

To sequence 32,200 strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from active TB patients.
To create a centralised biorepository of clinical MTB strains in India.
To map genetic diversity of TB isolates and their treatment outcomes.
To associate mutations in MTB with drug resistance patterns.
To assess household transmission dynamics of TB.
To combine genomic data with epidemiological insights for public health applications.

Expected Outcomes

The initiative aims to:

Serve as a pilot for routine whole genome sequencing in TB diagnosis.
Identify prevalent MTB lineages across India.
Understand the relationship between MTB variations and treatment outcomes.
Catalogue existing and emerging drug resistance mutations.
Reveal novel genetic variations associated with drug resistance.
Inform public health strategies based on transmission dynamics.

Current Statistics and Challenges

India accounts for 28% of new TB cases globally. In 2022, the TB incidence was 1,990 cases per million, a decline from 2,370 in 2015. However, drug-resistant TB remains challenge, with 7% of sequenced samples showing resistance to a single drug. The majority of TB cases are among individuals aged 18-45, with many being diabetic or underweight.

Future Directions

The DBT aims to complete sequencing of all samples by October 2025. This genomic data will enhance TB management and treatment strategies, contributing to the broader mission of TB elimination in India.

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